MLB News

Venezuela's Prado thrills with bat, glove

By
Chad Thornburg

March 11, 2017

Venezuela's Martin Prado filled the stat sheet in Saturday's 11-10 win over Italy, making a highlight-reel catch, reaching base six times and driving in the game-winning run in the 10th inning.Prado's five-hit performance at Estadio de Beisbol Charros de Jalisco in Guadalajara, Mexico, marked a first in World Baseball Classic

Venezuela's Martin Prado filled the stat sheet in Saturday's 11-10 win over Italy, making a highlight-reel catch, reaching base six times and driving in the game-winning run in the 10th inning.Prado's five-hit performance at Estadio de Beisbol Charros de Jalisco in Guadalajara, Mexico, marked a first in World Baseball Classic history, according to ESPN Stats and Information. His fifth hit, an RBI double in the 10th, was the difference in the game."This is a difficult tournament. It's short, and we're not even in [midseason] form, so you've got to find a way to be locked in and just get your mindset," Prado said. "I've got Miguel [Cabrera] behind me, all those guys, heavy hitters, so I'm not trying to do too much. I'm just trying to have good at-bats and find a good pitch to hit.":: 2017 World Baseball Classic ::The 33-year-old finished 5-for-5 with three RBIs, a run and a walk, while also contributing with his glove. In the eighth inning, he chased down Brandon Nimmo's pop up in foul territory, making an impressive catch over the wall as he tumbled into the stands.Despite his efforts, however, Italy's Andrew Butera advanced to second while Prado was tied up in the stands. Butera would eventually come around to score the tying run on the next at-bat, a single by John Andreoli.Prado avoided free agency and signed a three-year extension with the Marlins this offseason. The veteran infielder had a productive year in 2016, batting .305 with eight home runs and 75 RBIs.

The World Baseball Classic runs through March 22. In the U.S., games air live exclusively in English on MLB Network and on an authenticated basis via MLBNetwork.com/watch, while ESPN Deportes and WatchESPN provide the exclusive Spanish-language coverage. MLB.TV Premium subscribers in the U.S. have access to watch every tournament game live on any of the streaming service's 400-plus supported devices. The tournament is being distributed internationally across all forms of television, internet, mobile and radio in territories excluding the U.S., Puerto Rico and Japan. Get tickets for games at Marlins Park, Tokyo Dome, Estadio Charros de Jalisco in Mexico, Petco Park, as well as the Championship Round at Dodger Stadium, while complete coverage -- including schedules, video, stats and gear -- is available at WorldBaseballClassic.com.